Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

27. The Reproductive System

Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System

Anatomy & Physiology

27. The Reproductive System

Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System

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Problem 13

Textbook Question

Trace the path of milk flow from its site of production to outside the female.

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the site of milk production: Milk is produced in the alveoli of the mammary glands, which are located in the lobules of the breast. The alveoli are lined with milk-secreting epithelial cells.

Understand the role of ducts: Milk flows from the alveoli into small ducts called intralobular ducts, which merge into larger ducts known as interlobular ducts.

Trace the path to the lactiferous ducts: The interlobular ducts converge into lactiferous ducts, which are larger channels that transport milk toward the nipple.

Describe the lactiferous sinus: Before reaching the nipple, milk is stored temporarily in the lactiferous sinus, an expanded portion of the lactiferous ducts located near the nipple.

Explain milk ejection: Milk exits the body through the nipple during lactation, facilitated by the contraction of myoepithelial cells surrounding the alveoli and ducts, which is triggered by the hormone oxytocin during the milk let-down reflex.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Mammary Gland Anatomy

The mammary gland is a complex structure composed of lobules, ducts, and connective tissue. Milk is produced in the alveoli, which are small sacs within the lobules. These alveoli are surrounded by myoepithelial cells that contract to help push the milk into the ducts, leading to the nipple.

Milk Ejection Reflex

The milk ejection reflex, also known as the let-down reflex, is a physiological response triggered by the hormone oxytocin. When a baby suckles, sensory nerves send signals to the brain, prompting the release of oxytocin, which causes the myoepithelial cells to contract and expel milk from the alveoli into the ducts.

Nipple Structure and Function

The nipple is the external structure through which milk exits the mammary gland. It contains multiple openings for the milk ducts, allowing for the delivery of milk during breastfeeding. The nipple's sensitivity and the surrounding areola play crucial roles in stimulating the milk ejection reflex during suckling.